The event went about as well as could be expected, given that Joe Biden was the host. Biden invited the Kennedy Center Honorees to the White House for a reception before the gala, as is standard procedure.

The 2023 Kennedy Center Honors went to Billy Crystal, Renée Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah, and Dionne Warwick. I have to say I like them all. Queen Latifah was a nod to rap music’s 50th anniversary. It’s nice to see Gibb, the only living Bee Gee, get the recognition. The gala was held Sunday night. The show will not air until later this month.

WHITE HOUSE: "Distinguished guests: Please welcome the 46th class of Kennedy Center honorees: Billy Crystal, Renée Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah, and Dionne Warwick" pic.twitter.com/pqBSRnBhtu

— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) December 3, 2023

Many entertainers and celebrities were present at the gala.

Host and 2017 honoree Gloria Estefan, as well as Michael Bublé, Dove Cameron, Ariana DeBose, Robert De Niro, Sheila E, Missy Elliott, Cynthia Erivo, Whoopi Goldberg, Gladys Knight, Jay Leno, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rita Moreno, Ego Nwodim, Rob Reiner, Meg Ryan and Kerry Washington were among those who took the stage to fete the night’s guests of honor.

There were politicians and members of the administration present, too.

The event, which will air on CBS on Dec. 27, regularly draws the highest echelon of D.C.’s power structure, not just the president and first lady but Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Sonia Sotomayor (also getting many cheers), Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell, in addition to network news anchors, senators and representatives as well as governors and ambassadors.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters that, amazingly enough, this was his first time attending the ceremony – largely to support fellow New Yorker Crystal. “His show on Broadway – he talked about his father and it reminded me of my father because I never got to see my father because he was working overtime,” Schumer said.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that this was probably her 30th. The new House speaker, Mike Johnson, did not attend, but Pelosi wasn’t going to criticize the no-show. “I have no idea. I don’t know what his schedule is and what competition for his time is. I’m just happy to be here.”

Robert De Niro teased Biden about his age and dropped some F-bombs, it is reported, but I haven’t seen any ugly rants against former President Trump delivered by him. That is what he usually works into his speech any time he speaks in public. Hmm.

Biden wags his finger at Robert De Niro when actor – in tribute to Billy Crystal at Kennedy Center Honors – says to the comedian: “You're only 75 – that means you're just about six years away from being the perfect age to be elected president.”https://t.co/fWGx4fipvw

— Emily Goodin (@Emilylgoodin) December 4, 2023

Biden tried to deliver some remarks at the White House reception and it didn’t go so well. He struggled with using the teleprompter. What else is new, right?

He botched the mention of Queen Latifah’s Emmy Award.

Biden on Queen Latifah: "She's earned a Golden Globe and a Primetime Enemy! Enemy? That's me. Primetime Emmy." pic.twitter.com/dm9pRUDxi7

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) December 3, 2023

Biden said he was relieved that Billy Crystal would not primary him. He noted that Crystal could win. Well, to be fair, almost anyone could win at this point, except for Biden.

Biden on Kennedy Center honoree Billy Crystal: "He promised me he's not gonna primary me. I think he'd win." pic.twitter.com/CDkjKPHU2C

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) December 3, 2023

Biden had trouble leaving the stage at the end of his remarks. He shook hands with the honorees and then was too dazed and confused to leave the stage on his own. Jill went over and reached for his hand to guide him. It’s embarrassing but it’s a common thing that happens. Joe Biden needs someone to help him off the stage.

Biden presents the 2023 Kennedy Center Honorees, then gets lost trying to leave the stage until Jill, Ed.D., tells him where to go pic.twitter.com/arWjcVIsOR

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) December 3, 2023

It’s sad and depressing, not to mention dangerous for America to be led by a failing 80-year-old man. It’s elder abuse. Biden should not be leading the free world in his condition. It’s not just his age, it is also his cognitive ability to do the job. The presidency ages everyone but in Biden’s case, it is especially pronounced. It is impossible for anyone who is not in the press covering the White House to ignore. The press will go to the bitter end of the 2024 presidential election covering for their preferred candidate.